Durango is a city in the Basque Country twinned with the city of Kobanê. As well as cooperation projects implemented in Kobanê itself, every year the Basque municipality hosts events in Durango as part of the twinning agreement.
On Friday, Durango City Council, together with Suargi Elkartea, approved an institutional declaration condemning the military operation carried out by the Syrian Transitional Government in northern Syria, especially in the region of Kobanê. The declaration was unanimously approved by all parties represented in the Durango City Council: EAJ-PNV, PSE-EE, EH Bildu, Herriaren Eskubidea, and the PP.
In the text, the Durango City Council and Suargi Elkartea expressed their concern over the start of this offensive five days ago, which has attacked civilians in the Kobane region without justification. The aggression occurred without prior provocation and with the clear intention of repressing residents who, exercising their legitimate right, have chosen to live in freedom. The operation has left the population without basic resources such as electricity and water, and has hindered communication in the area, increasing the difficulties in obtaining information about the attacks.
The declaration also highlighted the impact of these actions on the autonomous communities of northern Syria, emphasizing violations of international humanitarian law and democratic principles. In this regard, the Durango City Council and Suargi Elkartea demand the immediate cessation of all aggressions and call for respect for human rights, as well as the principles of freedom, democracy, equality, and fundamental human rights.
The declaration underlined the commitment of the peoples of northern and eastern Syria to building a democratic, peaceful, and decentralized Syria that embraces the country’s ethnic and religious diversity. This model of coexistence is exemplified by the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, where diverse communities, including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, and Arabs, have lived under a system of democratic self-governance for more than ten years.
In light of the outbreak of violence, which has caused civilian deaths, the destruction of hospitals, and the disabling of essential infrastructure, Durango City Council and Suargi Elkartea rejected these indiscriminate attacks. They therefore called on the international community, especially the European Union, to condemn the attacks and pressure the Syrian Transitional Government to immediately halt the aggression against civilians.
Furthermore, Durango City Council stressed the need for an independent and thorough investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the region. They also insisted that Syria’s future must be based on respect for the rights of all its peoples, promoting dialogue that allows for the construction of a peaceful and democratic future and guarantees democratic self-governance throughout the country.
The City Council and Suargi Elkartea reaffirmed their support for the democratic self-governance being built in northern and eastern Syria, especially in the region of Kobane. They expressed their commitment to the process led by the Kurdish community and their support for a future of peace and justice for all the peoples of the region.